Illinois REALTORS® meet with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., as part of Capitol Hill visits on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Photo: Jon Broadbooks

Illinois REALTORS® began fanning out across Capitol Hill this morning as part of several days of meetings with the state’s congressional delegation.

Federal Political Coordinator Pat McCarthy makes a point to U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood during a meeting on Capitol Hill.

REALTORS® are in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. The first meeting of the day was with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., who met for breakfast with a delegation of REALTORS® from his central Illinois district.

Federal Political Coordinator Pat McCarthy led a discussion on flood insurance, noting that renewing the national program by the time it expires at the end of September is critical for the real estate industry.

McCarthy noted if the insurance program was to expire many home sales in the state would be affected. Additionally, it is important to keep rates affordable for homeowners who are in flood zones, he said.